The city has certain architectural aspects of
Farnesian origin such as the fifteenth century Palazzo Farnese, famous for having
accommodated Pier Luigi’s family, father of the future pope, Paul III and Giulia
Bella and the Farnesian Road, ordered by Cardinal Alessandro as the new
thoroughfare into the city’s historic centre (today’s Via Cavour, rich in
gentilizi buildings of the period : the Brugiotti Building hosts a private museum of
medieval and Renaissance ceramics). Moreover, Viterbo is famous for its rare and well
kept thirteenth century historic centre (Quartiere S. Pelligrino) and for having
been a papal seat (the famous Palazzo Papale, the Papal Palace). In addition
there are archaeological museums, sacred art and churches of great artistic value. Not far
from Viterbo is the Etruscan - Roman town of Ferento, with a well kept theatre used for
open air performances. There are various Etruscan necropolis (Castel d’Asso,
Norchia). There is the beautiful Villa Lante of Bagnaia, with prestigious Italian
gardens.
Of particular interest are the thermal baths, supplied with sulphurous waters springs from
the Bulicame, that offer a first class service even for the treatment of
respiratory and osteoarticular problems and for general fitness.
|
I facchini sotto la Macchina di Santa
Rosa |
Among the special tourist attractions is the
transportation of the Macchina di S. Rosa, an imposing luminous tower that is
carried by 100 "facchini" (3rd September) and the Antiques
Show (November). From June to September theatrical Renaissance plays are held in
Viterbo. |
